When last year’s initial Pro Bowl list was announced, it was a party of one for the Detroit Lions: center Frank Ragnow.

Perhaps a sign of the times, the Lions weren’t there yet. Their roster was still full of young pieces working to establish themselves at their respective positions. That’s what the 2021 and 2022 seasons were about, after all.

But this year? They’re ready for the spotlight.

The 11-5 Lions have five Pro Bowlers, a pair of first alternates, a second alternate and a few others who could sneak in if things break their way. Of course, the Lions would prefer a Super Bowl over the Pro Bowl, but if that’s not in the cards, the league-wide recognition isn’t a bad alternative.

Let’s take a look at Detroit’s players selected and others who could join as alternates.

Ragnow, arguably Detroit’s best player, is having another incredible season. He’s Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded center, anchoring one of the better offensive lines in football when healthy. When Ragnow misses time, his presence is felt. Over the last two seasons, quarterback Jared Goff’s EPA per dropback when Ragnow’s on the field is 0.14, which ranks fifth among 38 qualified quarterbacks. When Ragnow’s not on the field, Goff’s EPA drops to minus-0.04 — 27th among 38 qualified QBs. Ragnow had surgery on his meniscus in December, missed just one game and returned a week later to face the Broncos. He is the definition of tough.

No surprise here, but Sewell is a Pro Bowler for the second time in three years — this time, without being an alternate. Sewell has allowed just one sack in 17 games this season, tied for the fourth-fewest among tackles, per PFF. He’s arguably the league’s best run-blocking tackle and also happens to be PFF’s highest-graded offensive lineman, checking in at 91.4 for the season. He’s an elite young cornerstone and could very well earn All-Pro honors this season. This is just the beginning for him

Another young cornerstone for the Lions, Hutchinson has enjoyed a year of growth across the board. His 93 pressures rank third in the league, per PFF — way up from his rookie total of 53. His win rate of 20.3 percent ranks sixth among qualified edges, up from last year’s 12.3 percent. He’s already matched his 2022 sack total of 9 1/2 (20th in the league) with a chance to hit double-digits for the first time. And he’s done it all without a reliable running mate, something the Lions will need to address this offseason. Hutchinson needs to work on consistent finishing, but he’s largely done his job for the Lions. The NFL agrees.

LaPorta has shattered all expectations for his rookie season, with 81 receptions for 860 yards and nine touchdowns. Those are remarkable numbers for any tight end, let alone a rookie. He needs one more catch to set the record for receptions by a rookie tight end. He’s not likely to break Mike Ditka’s rookie tight end records for yards (1,076) and touchdowns (12), but the fact LaPorta is close tells you what kind of season he’s having.

Goff has looked his way early and often, something we first saw in training camp. There were questions as to how much a QB could reasonably trust a rookie tight end, but Goff rewarded LaPorta with a ton of targets, yards and touchdowns. LaPorta has done everything the Lions have asked of him and more.

After drafting him in 2017 and letting him hit free agency following the 2021 season, the Lions brought back Reeves-Maybin this offseason. He’s been an excellent addition, and earns a Pro Bowl bid as a special teamer.

Reeves-Maybin has recorded a league-leading 13 tackles on special teams and has successfully been a part of several fakes, including a 31-yard beauty of a pass to Khalil Dorsey to extend a drive against the Cowboys. He’s also held his own on defense when given the snaps. This was a sneaky-good pickup for the Lions, leading to a cool moment for Reeves-Maybin.

It’s a bit surprising St. Brown is the first alternate at wide receiver for a second consecutive season. He’s tied for second in the league in receptions (112), and has the fifth-most receiving yards (1,371) and the seventh-most receiving touchdowns (nine). St. Brown plays like a Pro Bowler and produces like one.

Of course, if a Pro Bowl wide receiver is injured or playing in the Super Bowl, St. Brown is next in line for a spot. He’s certainly deserving of the honor.

There’s a chance the first picks in each of Brad Holmes’ three drafts — Sewell (2021), Hutchinson (2022) and Gibbs (2023) — could all be Pro Bowlers this season. Sewell and Hutchinson are already there, and Gibbs isn’t far behind. In fact, it’s hard to imagine Gibbs missing it, barring a Super Bowl run. He was named first alternate at running back and would be next in line for his first Pro Bowl nod during his rookie season. He could join LaPorta as Lions rookies earning Pro Bowl honors.